Automatic Updates - Windows XP Service
Enables the download and installation of Windows updates. If this service is disabled, your computer will not be able to use the Automatic Updates feature or the Windows Update Web site.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, 8 and Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows XP edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Professional | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Automatic Updates |
| Service name: | wuauserv |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs |
| File: | %WinDir%\system32\wuauserv.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
Default Behavior
The Automatic Updates service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process. It shares the executable file with other services. If the Automatic Updates fails to load or initialize, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows XP startup should proceed, but a message box is displayed informing you that the wuauserv service has failed to start.
Restore Default Startup Type of Automatic Updates
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows XP edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreAutomaticUpdatesWindowsXP.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Run the downloaded batch file.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the wuauserv.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows XP installation media.